Sahra Wagenknecht has officially parted ways with the Left Party, launching the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) amid rising political crises in Germany. With a mix of leftist and conservative policies, BSW aims to attract voters from various parties, including the AfD. The new party emphasizes economic justice, peace negotiations in Ukraine, and regulated immigration. As it faces challenges in state governance and internal divisions, Wagenknecht seeks to maintain her influence while navigating the complexities of coalition politics.
Since October 2023, it has been evident that Sahra Wagenknecht and the Left Party are parting ways. Following four elections, the newly formed BSW can reflect on a range of achievements, thanks largely to the popularity of its founder.
On this day last year, Sahra Wagenknecht appeared visibly tense. The Bundestag member had just ended months of tension with her former party, ultimately deciding to break ties with the Left Party and announce the creation of a new association aimed at establishing her new political entity, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance.
“We are experiencing a period of global political instability,” stated Wagenknecht at a federal press conference. She expressed concerns about the escalating number of conflicts around the world, claiming, “Germany may have the poorest government in its history during this critical time.”
What can we expect from the platform of Sahra Wagenknecht’s emerging party? Here’s a brief overview.
Wagenknecht Aims to Attract Voters from the AfD
The party’s rebirth was framed as a historic mission during its inaugural event. With Wagenknecht was Amira Mohamed Ali, a fellow former member of the Left Party, who emphasized their determination not to remain passive as democratic support dwindles. Wagenknecht highlighted that the BSW should be a “genuine alternative” for those contemplating a vote for the AfD. Christian Leye, the BSW’s current managing director, proclaimed, “We’ve come to stay.”
So, how does the BSW intend to achieve its ambitions? Primarily through a progressive social and economic policy. Their platform calls for measures against “wage suppression” while advocating for enhanced collective bargaining. Additionally, the BSW is pushing for halting arms shipments to Ukraine and prioritizing peace negotiations. They also emphasize the need to regulate immigration, presenting a blend of leftist and conservative ideologies that is fresh within the German political landscape.
Filling the Political Void
“This resonates with the public,” remarked political analyst Constantin Wurthmann in an interview with ARD-Hauptstadtstudio. He noted that while the German populace leans slightly left on economic and social policies, they tend to be more conservative on social issues. Thus, the BSW effectively fills a “substantive gap,” according to the Mannheim Center for European Social Research.
The party faces internal divisions on strategic approaches in regions like Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg.
BSW Attracts Votes from the Left
Despite the AfD’s strong performance in recent state elections, where it emerged as the leading party in Thuringia, surveys indicate that the BSW is likely drawing votes predominantly from the left, SPD, or CDU/CSU voters.
In a survey from infratest dimap regarding the Brandenburg elections, nearly one-third of BSW supporters indicated they would consider voting for the AfD if the BSW were not on the ballot. Will Wagenknecht succeed in reclaiming a substantial number of voters from the AfD? This question remains unanswered for now.
A Strong Personality Influences BSW Voters
What stands out is the significant role of personality among BSW supporters. Data suggests that about 80% of these voters would not support the party in the absence of Wagenknecht, which is not surprising given that the BSW is closely aligned with her leadership style and vision. This connection is even reflected in their merchandise featuring Wagenknecht.
More crucially than merchandise, however, are the internal dynamics of the party. Currently, the BSW boasts 922 members, with a federal executive committee led by Wagenknecht and Mohamed Ali, alongside twelve regional associations, the latest being formed in Baden-Württemberg.
Challenges Ahead
The BSW’s regional branches in Saxony, Brandenburg, and Thuringia are drawing particular attention, especially the Erfurt BSW leadership under Katja Wolf, who is advocating for participation in governance. A key challenge lies in determining how the party’s stances on war and peace issues will integrate into any coalition agreements.
Wagenknecht felt compelled to take action recently, asserting during an ARD segment that there are crucial objectives from their campaign that remain unmet. She also criticized CDU leader Friedrich Merz for supporting the provision of cruise missiles to Ukraine, positing that any coalition government involving BSW must distinctly oppose such viewpoints. This indicates on her part a desire to maintain control over the party’s trajectory,